Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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If there’s one dish that transports you straight to the heart of a Southern kitchen, it’s a bubbling tray of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. These tender, buttery slices of sweet potato are coated in a luscious brown sugar glaze and kissed with warm spices, creating a side dish that feels like dessert. Rich in flavor and steeped in tradition, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes while balancing it with cozy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Whether you’re serving them up at Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or simply want a nostalgic dish that wraps you in warmth, Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are always a hit. The caramelized syrup that develops in the oven coats every slice, giving them that irresistible glossy finish that makes mouths water before the first bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are soul food at its finest. They’re easy to make, inexpensive, and fill your home with the aroma of butter, brown sugar, and spice. Plus, they pair beautifully with everything from roast turkey to fried chicken.

This recipe requires no marshmallows or fluff—just wholesome ingredients that let the sweet potatoes shine. It’s naturally gluten-free, and perfect for making ahead to ease holiday stress. Once you try this version, you may never go back to the overly sweet versions from a can.

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What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled as “yams” in U.S. grocery stores) for this dish. Varieties like Beauregard or Garnet work best because they’re naturally sweet, vibrant in color, and hold their shape after cooking. Avoid white or purple sweet potatoes as they don’t caramelize the same way and may turn out dry or overly starchy.

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Ingredients for the Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a delicious purpose, coming together to create a deeply flavorful and caramelized finish that makes this dish unforgettable.

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Choose firm, orange-fleshed varieties that hold up well during baking.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth. It melts into the brown sugar, forming the candied syrup.
• Brown Sugar: Essential for that sweet glaze, bringing a molasses-like flavor to the potatoes.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the richness of brown sugar and enhances the caramelization.
• Ground Cinnamon: Offers that signature warmth and spice.
• Ground Nutmeg: A little goes a long way to elevate the sweet earthiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a comforting aroma and depth to the glaze.
• Salt: Just a pinch makes all the sweet flavors pop.

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How To Make the Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Peel and Slice the Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the size consistent so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Layer in the Baking Dish

Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer (slightly overlapping is fine) in a buttered baking dish or cast iron skillet.

Step 3: Make the Candied Syrup

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it becomes syrupy.

Step 4: Pour and Cover

Carefully pour the syrup over the sweet potatoes, ensuring every slice is coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, gently stir or baste the potatoes, then continue baking uncovered for another 20-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let them rest for about 10 minutes to allow the syrup to thicken further before serving. Spoon some of that glorious glaze over the top.

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How to Serve and Store Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

This recipe serves about 6 people as a side dish, making it a perfect addition to holiday feasts or hearty Sunday dinners. Serve warm and spoon some of the extra syrup over the top for a glossy, mouthwatering finish.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of water or butter to restore moisture.

You can also freeze candied sweet potatoes for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing, and reheat covered in the oven to retain that perfect texture.

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What to Serve With Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?

H3: Oven-Roasted Turkey

The richness of candied sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory, juicy flavor of roast turkey.

H3: Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden fried chicken alongside these buttery sweet potatoes is a Southern match made in heaven.

H3: Glazed Ham

Add an extra layer of sweetness by serving these potatoes with a honey-glazed or brown sugar-glazed ham.

H3: Collard Greens

Their slight bitterness and texture contrast perfectly with the sweet, tender potatoes.

H3: Mac and Cheese

A classic comfort food pairing—gooey cheese and sweet potato goodness side by side.

H3: Cornbread

A slice of warm, buttery cornbread makes every bite of this dish even more comforting.

H3: Baked BBQ Chicken

The smoky, tangy barbecue flavors balance the sweetness of this dish incredibly well.

H3: Garlic Green Beans

Crisp green beans cooked in garlic butter add freshness to your plate and lighten up this indulgent side.

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Want More Sweet Potato Ideas?

If these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes have your tastebuds tingling, you might love diving into these other savory and sweet delights from the kitchen:

• Try our cozy Sweet Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic topped with buttery pecans.
• For something heartier, make a batch of Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes as a rich side for any meal.
• Want to explore soups? Check out our Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup packed with smoky flavor.
• Lighten things up with a healthy twist in Spaghetti Squash Casserole: A Comforting and Healthy Delight.
• Or serve a refreshing side with Avocado, Egg, and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish or holiday board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or add a touch of citrus? Did you double the glaze (no shame)?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

Explore beautifully curated comforting sides, sweets, and health-boosting meals on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for crowd-pleasing favorites!

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